New playground on way in Fayville

SOUTHBOROUGH — Oval swings, a rope climber and twisting slides are coming to a new playground at Fay Memorial Park this summer.

The old wooden play structure at the park was demolished over the past several weeks as crews start the process of replacing it. Picnic tables, benches and some play equipment remain uninstalled on the fenced-off property on Central Street.

"We are about 90 percent done with the design," said Doreen Ferguson, recreation director. The Recreation Commission is still receiving input from parents and volunteers on what should be incorporated. Construction is set to start this spring.

A sign reads: "Pardon our appearance while under construction. New park to open mid-late summer 2017." The commission is working with New England Recreation Group in Northborough on the design.

The project is being paid for with $92,000 in Community Preservation Act money, with additional money from the Friends of Southborough Recreation and the Southborough Community Foundation.

Recreation Commission Chairman Brian Shifrin said the previous equipment was either dated or inadequate. It become tough to replace parts as the equipment aged.

"We've been talking about it for a while," he said. "It was a real need. I'm excited it is underway."

Ferguson said one of the goals is to expand the age groups that can use the park, including moving and enlarging the basketball court that will likely be done in a later phase. The basketball court will be paid for with a separate $68,500 from Community Preservation grant.

"It will be a much larger court for older kids to play on," she said.

The pavilion on the property collapsed under high winds and after several large trees landed on it during a freak storm in July. It will be rebuilt in the same spot through an insurance claim.

The park has a great location off the reservoir and is often rented out for birthday parties or even corporate functions, Ferguson said.

"It is very popular," she said.

Jonathan Phelps can be reached at 508-626-4338 or jphelps@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @JPhelps_MW.